Let's Celebrate Somebody!

It can be all too easy to focus on the negative things in life and in people. I refuse. Time to shift our focus. This is devoted to celebrating and treasuring the people along our journey's that inspire and encourage us: to simply call out the gold in them.

Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce to you another rare treasure in my life: the beautiful, Mariah Lightner. This sweet girl walked into my life right as she began navigating her journey through high school and her sweetness and deep desire to know God marked my heart.

Where do I began with Mariah? She is the little sister I always longed for. When my baby brother was born, I was one angry little 4-year-girl with crushed dreams of all the tea parties I would share with my new baby sister. (no offense, Brudder, ha!) and although my brother has become the greatest gift from God and most consistent sources of joy in my life, this sweet girl has become the little sister my feisty 4-year-old heart longed for. From the moment I met her, Jesus gave me His eyes to see the treasure He placed within her. Her decision to relentlessly pursue a real relationship with Him has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life.

Mariah is simply delightful. She is a young woman of God full of passion and excitement to see the world impacted by the saving love of Jesus. When I look at Mariah I am reminded of how beautiful the Lord is. I believe every person carries a glimpse of God's unfathomable & magnificent character: Mariah is a beholder of His beauty. She carries herself with such grace and releases an atmosphere of kindness wherever she goes.

I am reminded of a quote I recently heard, "Our task is not to protest the world into a certain moral conformity, but to attract the world to the saving beauty of Christ." And, believe me friends, if you've ever encountered Mariah, you have been drawn to the beauty of Jesus within her. My heart is strengthened and encouraged with each moment I spend with her, because of her pure and relentless pursuit of Him. It is more beautiful than I can put into words.

All that Mariah does, she does with passion. Whether it's beautifully performing in dance, faithfully completing her school work, cultivating the friendships in her life, creating something colorful or worshipping her King, she remains steadfast in her passion for life. This young lady is one true beauty worth celebrating. I adore you, sweet sister!